Our Staff

Steven McCoy

Steven McCoy is the founder and President of Spoken Heroes, a dedicated advocate for empowering individuals with disabilities and promoting inclusivity. Making history as the World’s First Black DeafBlind Journalist, Steven has inspired many with his achievements. His impressive list of accomplishments includes serving as the Board of Director for the Usher Syndrome Coalition and on the Leadership Board for Foundation Fighting Blindness, the DeafBlind Facilitator for The National Federation for The Blind of New Jersey. Steven served as a fellow in a fellowship at Disability Belongs in Entertainment and News Media and Writing Pad for TV Comedy 101 where he was coached by Todd Waldman on television script development. He also was a Script Writer for BET’s “106th & Park”. Steven became a Host for Radio Disney and became a Disney Alumni Inductee, he was honored as one of 2022’s AT&T’s “Black Future Maker.” He is a Representative for the State of New Jersey Rehabilitation Council and holds an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Certificate from New York State. Steven has been recognized with the Oklahoma State Award by the Oklahoma State Rehabilitation Council, the Excellence Award by the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association, and the “Take the Lead” award by the National Association of Black Journalists. Steven consulted on various animation films and gaming projects to implement inclusion. Steven made the Forbes Founder’s “40 Under 40” List. Through his work at Spoken Heroes and the production of the “Sessions with Steven” podcast, produced under his media company Spoken Entertainment, Steven continues to make a positive impact in the community and hopes to leave a legacy through Spoken Heroes.

Khadeejha Brown

Khadeejha Brown is a dedicated and passionate leader with over 15 years of experience in education, community development, and empowerment. Currently serving as the Program Director for Spoken Heroes and Facilitator for the Parent & Family Support Group, she plays an integral role in fostering growth and resilience within the community. Khadeejha is also the Preschool Site Director at The Leaguers Preschool, where she leverages her dual Bachelor’s degrees in Business Management and Organization and Pre-K to 3 Early Childhood Education. Combining strategic thinking with a deep understanding of early childhood learning, Khadeejha brings a unique blend of expertise to her roles.

Throughout her career, Khadeejha has held various impactful leadership positions, including Director of the Women’s Reentry Program, Director of Social Services, and Director of Youth Programs. Her experience spans educational leadership, social services, and program development, with a consistent focus on uplifting and empowering her community.

A staunch advocate for community service, Khadeejha has led and participated in numerous fundraising initiatives and volunteered her time with organizations such as the Urban League, Eyes Like Mine, Spoken Heroes, and Make Newark Greener. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, she worked closely with the City of Newark, providing critical support to local residents.

Khadeejha is a proud member of Delta Psi Rho and continues to dedicate her efforts to “filling the void” in her community—whether through education, social outreach, or hands-on service projects. Outside of work, Khadeejha loves to cook for family and friends and has taken on various catering jobs. She enjoys learning about different cultures through travel, believing that new experiences enrich both personal growth and her ability to serve others.

Johanna Peseros

Johanna Peseros is a dedicated professional serving as the Director of Finance at Spoken Heroes, where she leverages her expertise in social work, finance, and advocacy to support the organization’s mission of empowering individuals with disabilities. Johanna’s background in insurance and social services has established her as a committed advocate for assisting clients in navigating complex systems, accessing vital resources, and enhancing their quality of life.

Her knowledge of various insurance policies and social services allows Johanna to provide tailored solutions that address the unique needs of her clients. She believes in the importance of empathy and communication, ensuring that those she assists feel heard, understood, and empowered.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Johanna actively participates in community outreach programs, promoting awareness about the significance of social services and the support available to those in need. Her continuous dedication to making a positive impact in her community has solidified her reputation as a trusted figure within the industry.

In her personal life, Johanna cherishes spending quality time with her family, exploring new hobbies, and staying informed about the latest societal developments.

Nicolas Grant

Nicolas Grant is an accomplished Accessibility Coordinator who brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Spoken Heroes. His skill set includes proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, bilingual abilities in English and Spanish, and a remarkable typing speed of up to 70 words per minute.

Nicolas’s career journey has taken him through several notable institutions, starting with the National Statler Center for Site in New York, where he obtained his call center certification. Subsequently, he worked at Lighthouse Central Florida, where he utilized screen readers to complete tasks and resolve customer issues, created an OCR training document for blind users, handled reservations for Universal, and assisted with unemployment resolutions.

His professional roles, Nicolas has been actively involved in community endeavors, such as serving as the Cole Vice President of the Acadiana Area Council for the Blind. In this capacity, he participated in various fundraising events, including working at beer gardens and hosting barbecues to spread awareness about blindness and educate guests.

Nicolas’s diverse background, combined with his passion for accessibility, makes him an invaluable member of the Spoken Heroes team.

Marc Safman

Marc Safman is a respected professional in the field of disability advocacy and a respected member of the Spoken Heroes team, serving as Senior Advisor. Overcoming the challenges of living with deafblindness since 1986, Marc has made it his life’s work to empower others facing similar obstacles. He is the founder of Safman Consulting, an organization dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities that embrace intersectional solutions in the disability community.

Marc’s expertise lies in job accommodations and the interactive process, and program trainings, his work has led him to become one of the original members of the New York City Board of Elections Accessible Voting Advisory Committee (AVAC). He plays an instrumental role in advocating for accessibility and inclusion, coordinating efforts for initiatives like the New York State Funded Statewide DeafBlind CoNavigator program (S2503/A4926) and DeafBlind LeadershipNOW.

In his capacity as Senior Advisor for Spoken Heroes, Marc has facilitated trainings, expanded networks, and ensured accessibility through accommodations. His wealth of experience and strong dedication to disability advocacy make him an invaluable asset to the organization and the community at large.